Jakarta was shaken by mass protests on 28 August 2025. Thousands of demonstrators, consisting of students, labor unions, and civil society, filled the streets in front of the Indonesian Parliament building. They demanded the abolition of outsourcing, an increase in the minimum wage, and fiscal reforms. The protest began peacefully but turned tense when student groups attempted to push through the Parliament gates. Police officers on guard moved in, and clashes broke out.
Amid this heated situation, the public was shocked by reports that several Indonesian Parliament members had left the country. One of them was Ahmad Sahroni, who had just been reassigned from Deputy Chairman of Commission III to Commission I. On 29 August 2025, just a day after the mass demonstration, he was reported to have flown to Singapore. News of his departure quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread criticism. Many citizens saw it as an escape from political responsibility at a time when people were taking to the streets.
Nationwide Wave of Protests
The demonstrations in Jakarta were not isolated events. Similar rallies took place in major cities such as Bandung, Surabaya, Medan, and Makassar. The central issues were the same: rejecting labor policies deemed harmful to workers and criticizing Parliament’s excessive allowances.
According to Wikipedia, this protest became one of the largest since the 1998 reform era. Thousands voiced their demands with banners, speeches, and street performances.
Observers noted that the movement marked a new phase in Indonesia’s political dynamic. Citizens have become more critical of the Indonesian Parliament, which they view as disconnected from the people. Calls for transparency and accountability grew louder.
Controversy Over Foreign Travel
The departure of Indonesian Parliament members abroad amid a national protest worsened the legislature’s image. Ahmad Sahroni became the central figure of criticism, well known for his flamboyant lifestyle and luxury image.
Netizens questioned why he went to Singapore at such a critical moment. Many accused him of “running away” from public scrutiny. Some public figures also described it as an insensitive move amid social unrest.
The criticism resonated with long-standing concerns about official trips. For years, Indonesians have criticized lawmakers’ frequent foreign trips that rarely deliver tangible benefits. A study by UGM previously highlighted that overseas study visits by Parliament members often failed to bring meaningful improvements for citizens.
Public and Social Media Reaction
Social media amplified the controversy. Hashtags such as #DPRKabur (“Parliament Escapes”) and #SahroniSingapore trended for hours. Thousands of posts carried angry or sarcastic comments.
A student from the University of Indonesia wrote, “We fight in the streets, yet they go abroad. Is this what representation means?”
These reactions illustrated the growing gap between the people and their supposed representatives. Trust in the Indonesian Parliament continues to erode as citizens feel abandoned.
Political Impact and Trust Crisis
Analysts predict the incident will have long-term political consequences. The Indonesian Parliament now faces immense pressure to repair its reputation and rebuild public trust.
A political analyst from LIPI, quoted by local media, stressed that leaving the country amid unrest could deepen citizens’ distrust. He warned it might spark even larger waves of protests.
Unless Parliament leaders take concrete steps quickly, public dissatisfaction could escalate into broader demands, including calls for institutional reforms.
Conclusion
The decision of Indonesian Parliament members to travel abroad during one of the biggest demonstrations in recent years has triggered a new wave of controversy. Citizens are questioning the moral and political responsibility of their representatives. While thousands of students and workers were rallying in the streets, lawmakers’ departure abroad only damaged the legislature’s credibility further.
This moment underscores a crucial lesson for politicians: every move is watched, and accountability is no longer optional but mandatory.
To learn more about Indonesia’s wave of protests throughout 2025, readers can explore related coverage on Olam News.
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